Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Why are Mormons so Happy?


Lately I've been interested in fictional books, and after getting through the Old and New Testament, I figured I would try the newer new testament. A few months back I ordered this free book online. 

I suppose it is expected, no one gives anything away for free without expecting something in return.  They called me several times, trying to convert me, and perhaps I fueled the fire by pretending to be interested (yes I am a jerk). It is funny how hard they push the sale of this religion. I am not all that informed on Mormonism, but, it seems much more cultist than other Christian "groups". They seem to have a stronger sense of unity in both their families and in the church. Mormons I find seem to be more Christ-like your typical catholic or protestant, and this is what makes them happier. 

Mormons appear irrationally happy, they are a strange and a very unique group. After reading through 1/3rd of their holy book (not exactly and enjoyable read), I still could not understand why it is that Mormons are this way. But, as said previously, it is probably not so much what is in the book, but the strong sense of unity that Mormons have which makes them unique. Today people are more individualistic, and by this I mean self-centered and narcissistic. I read an article last week that stated that the college students of today are substantially less empathetic than the college students were during the 1950s (meaning that they are less able to put themselves in another persons shoes). As a social species, we are at our happiest when we feel like we belong to a group: the more individualistic we become, the less empathetic, bitter, and cold we find ourselves. But, I find that having strong sense of unity causes irrationality and the herd mentality (I believe this is bad, but as an atheist I am biased). As atheists we are more rational, individualistic; this may cause us to become less empathetic, and unhappy. Atheists are often miserable because of rationality—a rationality which we will never surrender. If you look at many of the great philosophers in history, many of them were miserable, as well as atheistic—I do not think this is any coincidence. Here is a fitting quote to sum up my point..

 "The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one. -- George Bernard Shaw 

If people identify themselves as atheists they can never find unity in this world—people unite when they have beliefs that are in common, but lack of a belief is not a belief, but a void. Atheism makes people individuals, as right as they are, they are alone, and miserable. Sometimes I wish I could be drunk, but I can't find any beer, besides they say being sober is healthier.

 It is a shame we can't have our cake and eat it too. At least we are better than most Christians who have the cake but accidently throw it in the garbage. 

7 comments:

  1. I feel like you totally contradicted yourself. I mean you said that people are more naturally happy when they feel that sense of unity, and that they feel like their in a group. And that as an Athiest you dont have that.. because of your rationality. Right? Well doesnt that kinda prove that there is supposed to be a religion.. or a faith or belief that is there to unify us.. and make us happier as people? Cause as people we need to be happy. Happiness makes us healthier its scientifically proven. So dont you think that if there was a God then he would create us as so? so we could all be happy in a faith? And be unified with others under such a god?

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  2. *swoosh*

    You missed the point completely bud.

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  3. Jeremy, I am a Mormon and really enjoyed your article. I agree the unity among Mormons contributes to their happiness. More than that though, I think that it is living the Gospel of Jesus Christ--or the plan of happiness as we like to call it--that makes me happy. I feel joy and the power of the spirit, as I live the Gospel, including serving others.

    There are two methods to know spiritual truth: (1) ask God (ie pray) and he will tell you by his spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3; James 1:5-7); and
    (2) the scientific method -- ie live the principle and see if it works. Christ said to live his teachings and then you will know if they came from God or if Christ simply made them up. John 7:15-17.

    During my life, I have had so many expereinces that have taught me that keepings God's commandments brings happiness. I have also had numerous experiences serving in the Mormon Church where I have felt the spirit in such powerful ways that I know that we are God's children and that he loves us and is mindful of us. Trying to follow God has not made my life trial-free, but I can see that most of my growth as a human being has been brought about through those trials. Those trials also caused me to seek God and helped me to grow closer to him. I am a lawyer and I have not had to give up my rationality to gain these blessings. I simply needed to learn to trust God, to do my best to follow his commandments, and then see him bless me for that obedience.

    Other scriptures that relate to finding happiness--John 13:17; Proverbs 14:21 (be kind to the poor); Mosiah 4:41; Alma 41:10; 2 Nephi 2:13,22–25; Mormon 9:3 (the whole chapter is good and is written to those who do not believe in Christ)

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  4. Well these are the exact words which keep coming in my mind all day. From childhood we have been taught to reason and when it comes to religion we are just expected to believe whatever either a book says or may be an old guy. Whenever you ask question you get the answer "Pray" and you will get your answers. Ha ha!
    I know how unhappy we atheists are but being right and away from ridiculousness has its own pleasure. Loved your analogy of drunken people being happier.

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  5. There is a flaw in this article, but it does not error in the side of Mormonism. People are not supposed to be happy all of the time. It is, in fact, unhealthy to be happy all of the time. Human's have a wide range of emotions that are all important to living healthy as a human being. This includes "negative" emotions such as sadness/depression, anger, anxiety, etc. Many Mormon's have psychological issues due to repressed emotions because they are always trying to be "happy." Just how they deny any negativity towards their religion they deny any negativity within themselves. It is actually quite sad. Especially when you used to be Mormon and you now can see how much your family and Mormon friends actually suffer behind the guise of a smile.

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  6. I enjoy your perspective on this. However, I find that in my own personal experience being a Mormon, that individuality is cultivated right along side unity. We are taught, if indirectly, that we are saved by ourselves. Saved meaning going to Heaven, being Eternally Happy, etc. We cannot save anyone else, and we are not expected to. The closest we can come to 'saving' someone else is to do their temple work for them, but that is for another discussion.

    We are meant to unite and use our own individual talents to furthering the whole. I hope that makes sense.

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  7. It is never bad to be happy, Mitchell. However, who says that Mormons are happy all the time? I believe that we are happier people as a whole, because of the gospel, but like Sean said, we cannot save anyone else. You don't have to believe any of our religion, and we are not asking you to, but how can you say that we deny any negative emotions? I know a woman, one of the sweetest you will ever meet, who used to be in my ward. Some sundays she doesn't come to church because she can't even roll out of bed. She has depression, and one of the worst cases that I have ever seen. She has been hospitalized. My Dad knew her before she converted and says that he's never seen her this happy. Being a member of Jesus Christ's church has helped her see the good in life. It gives her an incentive to get out of bed many times, and though I am not saying that being a member can cure clinical depression, it certainly helps some people to see the light and smell the flowers. As I have said, this lady is one of the dearest you will ever meet and it is partially because of the church. If you would like, I would love it if you would visit mormon.org or lds.org.

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